Rahm Emanuel might be the biggest asshole in politics. That was certainly the consensus back in the 2000s when I had lots of political contacts. He’s also filth in many, many ways and I don’t trust him.
But this is good. This is very good:
“Over the last five years, Israel has evolved from being lauded as the start-up nation to becoming, in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s words, a modern-day Sparta,” Emanuel said. “You have turned from being known for your technological prowess to being considered primarily a territorial pariah.”…
… “If I have anything to say about it, every Israeli found attacking Palestinian civilians or their property in the future will be sanctioned,” Emanuel said.
You are free to doubt Rahm’s sincerity. I sure as hell do.
Rahm is a very skilled political operator without any real principles. He gets things done, he’s a leader in the party and he’s genuinely feared by other politicians. His personal presence is intimidating.
And this is the sort of guy you need to turn. He was pro-Israel before not out of principle, as he claims, but because it was politically expedient. And he’s anti-Israeli now because he wants to be President and he’s not stupid like Harris, he can see that support for genocide is electorally toxic. If he wants to win the primary and the election he needs to be anti-Israeli.
Years of Americans seeing video after video of Israelis killing and torturing doctors, children and women have finally moved past the point that even Zionist control of essentially every major media outlet can mitigate. Generations of belief that “Israel are the good guys, the David facing Goliath” have been burned up in the fires of a live-streamed genocide.
So, this is good news. We don’t get a lot of it. Feel free to be cynical about Rahm, I sure as hell am. But that someone like him has turned matters and it gives other politicians permission to turn, because Rahm genuinely is a leader in the party.
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Semper Pie
Pretty damning that he turned, as disingenuous as it is, before AOC.
Ian Welsh
AOC has no principles she won’t sell for power, but her default is progressive. Rahm is the same but his default is neoliberal.
bruce wilder
“ the start-up nation” !?!
spoken as an investment banker
Rahm’s father was with the Irgun, so keep in my mind that terrorism is a family business
Feral Finster
Bait and switch in 5..4..3..2..1.
cc
This makes me think of this NC post from last week:
The Hypersociality Hypothesis
https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2026/07/the-hypersociality-hypothesis.html
“you modify yourself to be someone who instinctively plays the political game of success, seeks power and forms an implicit coalition with others who seek power. You implicitly reward power seekers and those with power, and punish those without power and who do not seek power, without thinking about it.”
“Positioning within the clique matters more to adherents than truth or any nerdy definition of goodness such as alleviating human suffering.”
“For our purpose today the “main chance” is defined by whatever it takes to be accepted as important and powerful by other Hypersocial people: money but also other means of dominance within the clique.”
“By definition Hypersocial cliques will tend to serve plutocrats because the collective Eye for the Main Chance notices that the plutocrats have the money”
From the sounds of it, Rahm Emmanuel, AOC, Clintons, Obamas, Trump, etc. are people that seek power, and truth or principles have little importance other than for getting the votes to attain power, to be discarded once in power.
In Europe, Macron, Starmer, Merz, Von der Leyen, Baerbock, Kallas, Stoltenberg, Rutte, Zelensky.
In Canada, Carney, Trudeau, Freeland, Melanie Joly, Poilievre, etc. seem to fit the bill, as well. Power-seekers, opportunists, servants to power – and therefore serving plutocracy and the Empire.
And so Carney constantly brands Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran as “terrorists” every single chance he gets, while never once applying the term to Israel despite the far, far greater atrocities and crimes against humanity committed by Israel.
And then, while announcing yet more hundreds of millions of dollars ($900 million this time) in Canadian taxpayer money to go toward funding the Empire’s proxy war against Russians – far from Canada, right on Russia’s border with attacks deep into Russia, using Ukrainian lives as cheap, expendable cannon fodder:
He also went out of his way to say “this barbarism” of Putin, “the senseless suffering, certainly of the innocent civilians, [..] Ukrainian children [..]” but has never said anything like that about the genocidal barbarism of Netanyahu and his far right Zionist regime, the senseless suffering of the innocent civilians and children in Gaza. Nor have I heard him speak of the barbarism of the US deliberately targeting and killing 170 or so schoolgirls aged 6-12 in Minab, on the very first day of the US and Israel sneak attack during pretend negotiations.
He’s a servant to power, implicitly rewarding those with power (the US-Israel, the Empire), and eagerly joining in punishing “those without power, those who do not seek power, without thinking about it.”
Feral Finster
@Bruce Wilder:
In modern political discourse, truth and facts are irrelevant, except to the extent they can be weaponized. Rather, what matters is the relative status of the parties.
Israel and its supporters are high-status, and are protected by high-status people with long memories. Their every crime will be forgiven, if not greeted with hosannas.
Russia is low-status. Therefore any argument will be used to demonize Russia. The facts don’t matter. Witness L&S dragging up a 19th century bitchfest as if it were Holy Writ.
If one were to substitute “blacks” or “Jews” for “Russians” (and 19th century bitchfests concerning blacks and Jews are not hard to find), he’d drop it like a hot turd. But, since Custine confirms his priors….
spud
Feral Finster:
BINGO, the old clintonite would never ever dare to deviate from the idiotolgy of neo-liberalism/fascism,
Those who deviate from ideology often face marginalization or exclusion from mainstream discussions, as ideological commitments can create rigid boundaries that limit acceptance of alternative perspectives. This phenomenon highlights the challenges of engaging with diverse viewpoints in a polarized environment.
niskanencenter.org theunpopulist.net
unless of course he was pulling a bait and switch like hitler used to climb the ladder of power.
Rahm must be foaming at the mouth, waiting for his turn to torture and murder, just like the good old days under clinton, obama and in chicago.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraordinary_rendition
Extraordinary rendition is a euphemistically-named policy of state-sponsored abduction in a foreign jurisdiction and transfer to a third state. The best-known use of extraordinary rendition is in a United States-led program during the war on terror,[1] which circumvented the source country’s laws on interrogation, detention, extradition and/or torture. Extraordinary rendition is a type of extraterritorial abduction, but not all extraterritorial abductions include transfer to a third country.
Extraordinary rendition began under the administration of President Bill Clinton and continued under the administration of President George W. Bush, which abducted hundreds of “illegal combatants” for U.S. detention and transported them to U.S.-controlled sites as part of an extensive interrogation program that included torture.[2]
Extraordinary rendition continued under the Obama administration, with targets being interrogated and subsequently taken to the U.S. for trial.[3] A 2018 report by the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament found the United Kingdom, specifically MI5 and MI6, to be complicit in many of the renditions carried out by the U.S., by helping to fund them, by supplying intelligence, and by knowingly allowing the abductions to happen.[4]
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the idiot sold off parts of chicago. now chicago subsidizes parasites, and can no longer function for the people.
commons.wikimedia.org
U.S. Embassy in Japan / Public domain
Rahm Emanuel helped expand Chicago’s privatization approach during his time as mayor, including decisions that moved parts of public services and school functions toward private companies. Chicago also continued the long-running parking meter contract (set to extend until 2083), with the city planning to pay $20 million in 2018 to the parking meter company.
illinoispolicy.org inthesetimes.com
Rahm Emanuel’s Privatization Efforts in Chicago
During his tenure as mayor from 2011 to 2019, Rahm Emanuel significantly advanced the privatization of various public services in Chicago. This approach involved transferring the management and operation of public resources to private companies, aiming to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Key Privatization Initiatives
Public Services: Emanuel’s administration outsourced several city services, including:
Water-bill call center operations
Custodial services for airports and libraries
City-worker benefits management
Education: Emanuel’s policies also impacted the education sector, with a focus on privatizing certain school functions. This included appointing individuals with ties to private investment firms to the school board, which led to increased outsourcing of educational services.
Parking Meter Contract
One of the most controversial aspects of Emanuel’s tenure was the continuation of the parking meter contract, originally negotiated by former Mayor Richard M. Daley. Key points include:
Attribute Details
Contract Duration Extended until 2083
2018 Payment to Company $20 million
Revenue Impact City must reimburse for lost revenue
Public Reaction Criticism over high parking rates and costs
The parking meter deal has been criticized for its long-term financial burden on taxpayers, with Emanuel having the opportunity to renegotiate but ultimately choosing to maintain the existing contract.
Emanuel’s administration is often viewed as a pivotal period for privatization in Chicago, with significant implications for public services and infrastructure. His policies have sparked ongoing debates about the effectiveness and consequences of privatizing essential city functions.
reason.org illinoispolicy.org
Rahm Emanuel implemented several key privatization policies in Chicago, including turning to private firms for funding major infrastructure projects, such as a $7 billion program to rebuild the city, and privatizing services like curbside recycling, water-bill call centers, and custodial services in public facilities. These initiatives aimed to reduce costs and improve efficiency but also led to significant layoffs and criticism from labor unions.
reason.org Moyers & Company
The parking meter contract significantly impacted Chicago’s budget by providing an upfront payment of $1.15 billion, which was quickly spent to address short-term budget deficits rather than being invested in long-term infrastructure. This deal has been widely criticized for leading to increased parking rates and reduced control over public services, ultimately costing the city approximately $974 million less than it would have earned if it had retained the meters.
reason.org metroplanning.org
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lets not get fooled again!
Mark Level
On the surface, a huge surprise, but really just a Stinking Rat abandoning a sinking Ship.
On October 8, 2023 this is exactly what Caitlin Johnstone predicted, she knew it would take time, but things had to end this way. Now, we on the actual Left (not pathetic Surrender-Monkey Libs, obsessed with “norms” & posturing Virtue) know how foul these Scum are. Obama famously joked about what a horrible Bully and Asshole his pal Rahm is/was, missing a middle finger (childhood karma/accident) so he couldn’t crush people as readily as he loved doing, had to go verbal scorched Earth only. Recall that he called us Dirty Fucking Hippies (Clintonian term) who wanted the failed Iraq WMD Scam to end “Retards” at the beginning of the Obama admin.
2009 Movie “In the Loop,” anti-NeoCon, stars James Gandolfini as an American General trying to prevent a British Mideast War, he is opposed by Peter Capaldi, an obscenity-spewing asshole-bully who gets all his energy abusing his subordinates, who are nearly everyone, he’s #2 in the UK government. Spits hatred and contempt at everyone, Allies as much as opponents, just beyond any moment of humanity or compassion or empathy. Based entirely on Rahm Emmanuel? Well on the Rahm type in any case. A good film, spoiler alert (2 days after Ms. Lindsey crossed the Styx into Hell), the War Whores always win, as does Capaldi’s character. An off-the-charts Misanthropist.
His famous brother picked up a Ben Shapiro riff (sort of), famed Oncologist Ezekiel E. stated all of us should die at age 75, human life has no value after that mile marker. He’s not yet there, we will see if he does it. Like a line directed at Jim Carroll in the song “All These People Died, Died”, one has to ask, “All of your friends have done it. Why not you?”
Li’l Ben Chipino (Chapo nickname) says all Americans need to work past 75 to 80 or as long as they draw breath. Oddly, he does not expect this of the Israeli Master Race, they should feast on Uncle Shmuely’s bounty. Keir Starmer worked hard to make sure nobody can retire before their 80s, a default MOTU position. Master-Slave relationship not subtle in the least. https://www.phillymag.com/be-well-philly/2025/04/26/ezekiel-emanuel-dying-at-75/
Will quibble with Ian, AOC has a default “progressive” setting? Well, if it is related to LGBTQ+ or even racial Identity politics, yes– viz Economics, fair wages, etc. she doesn’t give a shit. And she’s not anti-War, Mama Bear Pelosi controls her mind, she wouldn’t stop the Genocide any more than Kamala would’ve, lied that K & Joe “working tirelessly” to do so. Doesn’t “support” the Genocide, but supports the Iron Dome funding, safety vest for the Genociders, not for the Genocided. A vacuous nonentity, shares politics with Mayo Pete & McKinsey but used to be kind of cute, that advantage melting away.
A good bruce w comment, mostly, and excellent by cc as well, as usual. Finster on Fire, great comment (most recent I can see), LAS dredging up his Nazi kitsch, I have to wonder if he has some Military Regalia from his beloved Banderists, “Yaroslav Hunka is a complex phenomena, okay he did some bad things, but meant well,” and calls out bruce exactly correctly.
Garden vs. the Jungle. Carney a full-on Genocider viz Iran, Palestine, Lebanon but is “Garden”, “civilized” and even genteel, gentile. Russkies dirty Asiatics, like the Chinese, Turks, etc. Zionist Settler Colonialists play “Jungle”, indigenous Levantines, amrite? But everyone knows they are Garden, Northern, Eastern Euro Slavic Garden, the Baltics etc.
Bestest Zion ally at the moment is Greek Orthodox Crusader wacko Michel Aoun, seeking to exterminate the Shia Muslim majority in the South of Lebanon.
God forfend that Rahm ever arises to power, but if pieces of shit like Biden, Trump, Clinton can do it, whose to stop him? And would any “alternatives” be better? Recent detention and threats to Ro Khanna in the W. Bank, he made it out alive though. Will never be allowed to become President, for sure.
different clue
Emmanuel would certainly test and torture the limits of vote blue no matter who. People who never forgave Clinton for NAFTA will also never forgive Emmanuel for his role in moving NAFTA through Congress.
Still, back to the subject of the post . . . yes, Emmanuel is preparing for DILABH. What is DILABH? ( pronounced dye-lab to rhyme with skylab)
Its an acronym. What does it stand for?
Drop Israel Like A Bad Habit. DILABH.
Mark Level
Nice acronym, DiffClue, but I’ll riff off of it–
TOTZBT– “Throw off the Zionist Burning Tire”. In S. Africa, burning tires around the worst white Supremacists captured in battle, an agonizing way to die.
Zionist Top Dog is a Burning Tire; throw it off, is it worth killing any of your children so the Zionist Epstein bunch can slaughter more actual Semites?
Feral Finster
@Spud:
“Will quibble with Ian, AOC has a default “progressive” setting? Well, if it is related to LGBTQ+ or even racial Identity politics, yes– viz Economics, fair wages, etc. she doesn’t give a shit. And she’s not anti-War, Mama Bear Pelosi controls her mind, she wouldn’t stop the Genocide any more than Kamala would’ve, lied that K & Joe “working tirelessly” to do so. Doesn’t “support” the Genocide, but supports the Iron Dome funding, safety vest for the Genociders, not for the Genocided. ”
Damn straight. Other than symbolic issues, there is no difference between an AOC and a member of Team R.
Pronouns, humans…PRONOUNS!
Oakchair
Bait and switch in 5..4..3..2..1.
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Yep. The genocide is as good as completed and now is the time for the ruling class to pretend they always opposed it to distract, forget, and build support for the next one. Maybe it won’t work this time around but it it is exactly what Trump, Biden, and Obama did.
That is also how it’s been done on economic matters for 50+ years. If republicans ever do away with Medicaid/SNAP etc the Dem establishment will put up some noble theater about how evil it is and then once in power tell everyone how nothing can be done because the are too weak and constrained by norms.
mago
What cc, FF and ML said.
The dude stinks like shit, and you can’t make an earring out of a turd.
bruce wilder
ML: . . . calls out bruce exactly correctly
Who calls me out about what exactly?
You are babbling again. No one needs you calling balls and strikes on every comment. Even if you could do it without spewing your racist hatreds, you’d be hallucinating half the time.